Ex-NCT Member Taeil Challenges Court Decision Over Harsh Sentence Despite Pleading Guilty

Taeil, former member of NCT, along with two co-defendants, has filed appeals after their recent sexual assault case verdict in Seoul. The appeals came right after the court sentenced all three to three years and six months in prison on July 10. The conviction was for aggravated quasi-rape under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.

On July 16, Taeil officially submitted his appeal to Seoul Central District Court’s Criminal Division 26, with Chief Judge Lee Hyun Kyung presiding. The two others involved had already filed their appeals a day earlier. Prosecutors also challenged the ruling, arguing the sentence was not harsh enough. They originally pushed for a seven-year prison term, stressing the serious nature of the crime.

The court’s ruling pointed out the particularly disturbing aspect of the crime:

"The defendants took advantage of the victim’s incapacitated state to commit the crime. The nature of the offense is particularly egregious," the court said. "The victim is believed to have suffered significant psychological trauma as a result."

The case centers on an incident last June, where Taeil and the two co-defendants were accused of gang-raping a foreign woman who was unconscious at the time. DNA evidence linking all three men to the crime was found on the victim’s body.

During the trial, Taeil and his co-defendants admitted to all charges brought against them. In his plea, Taeil asked for mercy and vowed to make amends:

"I want to contribute positively to society and will do my best to live a better life." Taeil

Following the July 10 sentencing, Taeil was immediately taken into custody. Prosecutors remain firm in their stance, pointing out once again:

“The nature of the crime is extremely serious and morally reprehensible,” prosecutors argued.

This case remains a focal point for discussions around justice and accountability within the K-pop industry and beyond, as the legal process continues with these appeals now underway.